Perhaps he can still qualify as the Prince of Deception. But I suppose we can all fit that bill at different times. The hearts that hold out for the best can usually get tripped up by pretenders. I like this much Neil!

Loved this, Neil. I particularly liked your line: “Though the wheels inside her made no sound, sometimes she gritted her teeth.” This describes me so well. The wheels are always turning in my head. I also find that my role in our family has somehow become some sort of sponge where the rest hurl their bad moods and I’m expected to turn everything magically around and not respond most of the time. I understand the rest of the family has their stressors but they seems to forget that I am human as well with my own feelings and not some kind of robot. Then again, when I keep silent, how will that change? How will their awareness improve?
I am constantly reminding myself not to clench my teeth.
We’re about to leave for a family holiday to Tasmania where we’ll be shut in the car together much of the time. This could be interesting. I am already planning diversions.
Best wishes,
Rowena

Made me think of Steven Erikson. From a few of your pieces it sounds like fantasy is somewhere you enjoy writing. It’s somewhere I also like to venture as both reader and writer. Happy New Year, and all the best for 2017.

Interesting you should feel that Paul. I know why you’d think that but in fact I’m not a big fan of fantasy. I am though very interested in what might be called fabulism – exploring the tropes of fables